[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 28, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S11560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             OSCEOLA McCARTY, A MISSISSIPPI PHILANTHROPIST

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, today I rise to pay special tribute to the 
passing of a 91-year-old Mississippian whose generosity, hard work, and 
commitment to education touched the hearts and consciences of many all 
across this Nation. It is the story of a smalltown laundress, Osceola 
McCarty of Hattiesburg, MS, who lived a quiet life in the Pine Belt 
region of my State until her $150,000 donation to the University of 
Southern Mississippi brought her national attention. McCarty's gift 
established a scholarship to be directed to African American students 
enrolling at the University of Southern Mississippi who clearly 
demonstrate financial need.
  For a woman who rarely left her home, except for trips to the local 
market and, of course, church, the notoriety certainly brought a change 
to the lifestyle of Ms. McCarty. She was featured on a CBS television 
show as one of the ``10 Most Fascinating people of 1995.'' She received 
a Presidential Citizens Medal, an honorary doctoral degree from Harvard 
University, as well as numerous other outstanding citizen awards. She 
was invited to cities throughout the country to share her story of 
thriftiness and generosity.
  Ms. McCarty received a sixth grade education and worked her entire 
life in Hattiesburg, MS, washing and ironing clothes. She has made it 
possible for others to have the education that she never had. In her 
book, ``Simple Wisdom for Rich Living,'' McCarty reflects on long, hard 
days of laboring over steaming kettles of clothes and standing over an 
ironing board. She stated that she loved her work and she only spent 
what she needed to. After all the years of hard work and dedication, 
Ms. McCarty managed to donate her significant gift to the University of 
Southern Mississippi. ``A smart person plans for the future,'' is what 
she said when she received numerous bits of recognition. Then she said, 
``You never know what kind of emergency will come up, and you can't 
rely on the government to meet all of your needs. You have to take 
responsibility for yourself.''
  Osceola McCarty will be deeply missed. She was a humble, modest lady. 
I had the pleasure of bringing her into the majority leader's office. 
She never got over the fact that people were so surprised and impressed 
that she saved $150,000 and she gave it to the University of Southern 
Mississippi. She thought she was just doing the right thing. Her life 
was an exemplary one that touched us all. We are very proud of her. God 
rest her soul.
  I yield the floor.

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